The Most Reverend Jonathan Blake, Presiding Archbishop of the Open Episcopal Church B.A. (Hons), Dip. Pastoral Studies. Bishop's Haven, 105 Danson Crescent Welling DA16 2AS U.K. Mobile: 07767 687711 www.bishopjonathanblake.com bishopjonathanblake@ntlworld.com www.openepiscopalchurch.org www.twitter.com/bishopjonathan The Church is a member of The International Council of Community churches and the World Council of Churches. Married and a proud Dad.

Friday, March 07, 2014

YOU CAN'T TRUST THE POLICE

Apparently two thirds of the British Public trust the police. It's not surprising that there is a naive desire in us all to find security in believing that there are one set of people and one institution that harbours the good and the true, upon which we can rely.

It's a dangerous illusion that is mutually threatening. It exposes the police to the great temptation to use their power inappropriately, for their own ends and advantage and to take the law literally into their own hands. It exposes the public to false imprisonment, police violence, botched and corrupt investigation and surveillance tactics, Taser charges and SAP glove attacks, gratuitous handcuffing, intimidation, abuse, strip searches and even death in detention.

The suppurating investigation into Stephen Lawrence's murder has demonstrated amply what Doreen Lawrence now declares, 'YOU CAN'T TRUST THE POLICE'.